The sitting room was already too full.
Alexander sat stiffly on one end of the couch, his father beside him, while his mother occupied the armchair like a queen holding court. Aunt Margaret had claimed the best view of the room, and Lina sat cross-legged on the rug, still suspiciously cheerful.
No one was speaking.
That alone was concerning.
Alexander cleared his throat. "So… would anyone like tea?"
"Yes," his mother said immediately. "Prepared properly."
His father nodded. "Strong."
Aunt Margaret added, "With manners."
Lina grinned. "With drama."
Alexander stood. "I'll inform—"
The door to the sitting room opened before he could finish.
Sarah Hill stepped in.
She wore her usual neat uniform, hands folded politely in front of her. Her posture was perfect—trained, respectful, professional. The moment her eyes landed on Alexander, however, something subtle shifted. Just a fraction too much brightness. Just a fraction too much attention.
"Good morning, sir," she said softly.
Alexander nodded. "Sarah. We have guests."
Her eyes widened—just a little—as she took in the room.
"Oh," she said quickly. "I didn't realize your family had arrived."
His mother smiled warmly. Too warmly.
"good morning sarah, she said
"Wait!! Are you the daughter of lucia hill? ", william voss, Alexander's father said
" Yes sir", she said with a small smile
"When did she start working here that you can even inform us", Aunt veronica said
" Just last year i think", Alexander replied
"I hope you're confortable here", margerate voss Alexander's mother said
Sarah's smile flickered at that, then returned stronger.
"Yes, sir."
Alexander's mother studied her carefully—the way she stood, the way her eyes returned to Alexander without meaning to, the way her hands clasped tighter whenever he spoke.
Interesting.
Sarah smiled at that comment a little too much.
Mrs voss leaned forward. "You must know him very well."
"Yes," Sarah said quickly. "His routines. His preferences. His schedule."
Alexander blinked. "You don't need to list them."
Sarah flushed. "Of course, sir. I only meant—"
"It's fine," he said.
His mother noticed everything.
"So," she said casually, "you take good care of him?"
Sarah met her gaze. "I do my best."
Mr voss grinned wickedly. "She sounds very dedicated."
Alexander shot her a warning look.
Sarah clasped her hands tighter. "Would you like some tea? I can prepare it immediately."
"Yes, please," his mother said. "I'd love to see how you do it."
Sarah bowed her head slightly. "Of course."
She turned to leave, then paused.
"Sir?" she asked.
"Yes, Sarah?"
"Should I use the blue cups or the white ones?"
Alexander answered without thinking. "The blue. They keep the tea warmer."
Sarah's face lit up.
His mother's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Oh," she said. "You remember that."
Alexander froze.
"…They're practical," he said.
Sarah nodded eagerly. "Yes, sir. Very practical."
Lina covered her mouth, laughing silently.
When Sarah left the room, the silence returned—thicker now.
"Well," Aunt veronica said slowly, "that was interesting."
"There is nothing interesting about it," Alexander said firmly.
His mother tilted her head. "She likes you."
Alexander scoffed. "She's polite."
"She looked at you like you were the sun," Lina added.
"That is an exaggeration."
His father chuckled. "Son, we've raised you. We know the look."
Alexander stood. "Please don't make this awkward."
His mother smiled. "Oh, Alexander. It already is."
Moments later, Sarah returned with the tea tray, moving carefully, gracefully. She served everyone perfectly, remembered preferences without being told, and lingered just long enough near Alexander to straighten something that didn't need straightening.
"There," she said softly. "Your sleeve."
Alexander glanced down. "It was fine."
"Yes," she said quickly. "I just thought—"
"It's okay," he said gently.
That gentleness made her smile.
His mother watched. Closely.
"Sarah," she said suddenly, "do you enjoy working here?"
Sarah hesitated. "Yes, ma'am."
"Why?"
Sarah glanced at Alexander again, then back at his mother.
"It feels… familiar," she said carefully. "And meaningful."
Alexander's mother nodded. "I see."
Lina leaned closer to her father. "She's in love with him."
Alexander groaned. "Lina."
Sarah stiffened.
"I—I should return to my duties," she said quickly, bowing her head. "Please excuse me."
She left faster this time.
Alexander exhaled. "You embarrassed her."
Lina shrugged. "I told the truth."
His mother stood. "She's a good girl."
"That doesn't mean anything," Alexander replied.
His mother smiled knowingly. "It means everything—to her."
Alexander looked toward the door Sarah had exited through, something uneasy settling in his chest.
This house, he realized, was becoming far more complicated than he'd planned.